Registration open for Bayou Lafourche canoe trip

Saturday

Feb 9, 2013 at 1:11 AM

You can explore an essential natural resource for local communities during the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program’s annual paddle trip.

Nikki BuskeyStaff Writer

You can explore an essential natural resource for local communities during the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program’s annual paddle trip.The annual Paddle Bayou Lafourche trip has opened registration to prospective paddlers. The 52-mile, four-day journey’s purpose is twofold: To enjoy the Cajun culture and hospitality of those who live along the waterway and rediscover the unique ecology in our backyard.The trip begins April 4 in Donaldsonville and ends April 7 in Lockport, according to Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program spokeswoman Kristy Monier. Participants can sign up for all or part of the trip. You can bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one when you register. Bayou Lafourche Freshwater District Chairman Hugh Caffery said Paddle Lafourche allows residents to see the bayou in a new light, as a water body that be used for recreation. It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness of the bayou’s importance, he said.“Paddling down the bayou, you can get the historic feeling of the bayou. But you also get a feeling of today, and how critical the bayou is to our survival,” Caffery said. “When you’re out in that beautiful environment, with all the plants, fish, ducks and animals, you can really feel like you’re a part of it.”Bayou Lafourche, once a major tributary of the Mississippi River, provides drinking water to 300,000 local residents, businesses and industry. It’s also a culturally important waterway, and it has been nicknamed the “longest main street in the world.” That’s because the bayou served as a central point for growing communities from Ascension Parish at the bayou’s head down to south Lafourche.Paddle Bayou Lafourche started 11 years ago as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the local bayou. Many people were initially perplexed as to why anyone would want to take a paddling trip down Bayou Lafourche. But over the years it has transformed into an excursion that draws curious visitors from all over the country.Paddlers will get a firsthand look at the restoration work being conducted along the bayou and get to meet many of those who live along its banks.They will also get a taste of local cuisine and entertainment every night in a campsite setting. Participants get a souvenir T-shirt, water and snacks throughout the day. Canoe rentals are available in a limited supply. During the trip, paddlers may choose to camp at Madewood Plantation, on the Nicholls State University campus and at the home of Dr. Mike and Brenda Dardar Robichaux with the United Houma Nation.The trip costs $30 per day, or $110 for all four days without a canoe rental. The cost with canoe rental is $50 per day, or $190 for all four days. Pre-registration is required.For details or to register, visit paddling.btnep.org or call BTNEP at 800-259-0869.

Staff Writer Nikki Buskey can be reached at 857-2205 or nicole.buskey@houmatoday.com.

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